| Sewer system improvements under way in Hornbeak | | Posted: Monday, September 24, 2012 9:04 pm
| With much of the state experiencing unusually dry weather, one would think wet weather would bring only welcome relief. However, when it can also bring potential health issues, wet weather may not always bring a cheer from area residents.
A Tennessee Environment and Conservation Commis-sion survey of the Hornbeak area found that wet weather could render up to 78 percent of individual septic systems ineffective for some period of time. While this potential failure rate is alarming, it is also curable.
Rural Development state director Bobby Goode joined Hornbeak Mayor Pete Burpo and other local leaders Friday to announce a Rural Development low-interest loan of $78,000 and a grant of $33,000, which will be combined with a federal Community Development Block Grant of $500,000 through the state, to fund Phase III of sewer system improvements. (See related photo, Page 12.)This phase of the project includes construction of about two miles of new low pressure sewer collection lines and replacement of the main pump station assembly at Black Oak School.
“A safe, reliable septic system is a basic necessity for families, farms and businesses,” said Goode. “Making these infrastructure investments puts people to work now and it lays the foundation for sustainable economic growth through the next generation.”
The extension will allow about 52 households to connect to the municipal system, alleviating the need for private septic systems along parts of Stover, North Main, Eason, Clemmons, Cashion, Church, Glass, Short and Poplar streets. The improvements will also reduce the potential health-related issues for current customers as well by reducing the number of septic systems affected by a rise in the water table in this low lying area near Reelfoot Lake.
Rural Development community programs finance construction or improvements to essential services like reliable access to clean water, wastewater treatment, healthcare, education, job training and first responder facilities. Loan-guarantees encourage private lenders to expand the availability of affordable financing in rural communities. Direct loans and grants create sound financial opportunities for local governments to meet essential infrastructure needs.
Others participating in the event included Rep. Stephen Fincher’s representative Heather Yarbro, State Rep. Bill Sanderson, Obion County Mayor Benny McGuire, Hornbeak Vice Mayor Dennis Dozier, Northwest Tennessee Development District executive director John Bucy, Tennessee Economic and Community Development member Janna Hellums, Tennessee Association of Utility Districts circuit rider Dwayne Culpepper, city recorder Joyce Truett, engineer Bob Nichols, Rural Development area director Harriet Cannon and area specialist Brenda Horner.
USDA Rural Develop-ment invests in jobs, infrastructure, community development, homeownership and affordable rental housing to improve the economic health of rural communities. During the last three years, the agency has assisted at least 1.5 million Tennessee families and businesses in 158 communities, investing more than $2.5 billion through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants.
For more information on Rural Development programs available in northwest Tennessee, contact the Rural Development Area Office in Union City at 885-6480 ext. 4, call toll free at (800) 342-3149 ext. 1497 or visit online at www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn. Published in The Messenger 9.24.12 | | | | |
